Feel for the Game

[Frosty83]

Edit: As the game goes on Smith does so much better. It's almost like his instinct takes over and he stops thinking his way through the game. He definitely has the ability.

I was watching the Butler game again and focusing on the starts of the halves to see what IU can do to generate a better start. One thing that seemed to bog things down is Smith doesn't have a good feel for the game offensively. His movements usually have him clogging things up offensively. He screens when he should be rolling to the basket which leads to a double team and he stands in the lane when he should be stepping to the elbow to open up the baseline. It reminds me of someone who is just learning the game and trying to remember everything he has been told but his timing is off.

As the game wears on and the players get tired, his athletic ability shines more and allows him some chances to get some hustle points. Focusing on defense and rebounding are good for him and I believe that Arch compared him to Freddie McSwain. Those are areas where he can make a difference while the offense and feel come along.

I don't see Zach replacing him as he still looks a half step slow and not fully recovered from his injury. The more playing time that Justin can get the more it should help him. Not sure where Race and Jerome are in the healing process but they would seem to be the only options that can provide similar defense matchups as Justin.

 

[TR32]

Good post.

I always think his entire offensive strength is the secondary put back or short cut to the hoop. He needs to learn to get the ball and either face up or back a man down, but whenever Morgan is out they look to the post and Smith never looks for the ball.

He needs to watch some Daryl Thomas tapes.

 

[Univee2]

Edit: As the game goes on Smith does so much better. It's almost like his instinct takes over and he stops thinking his way through the game. He definitely has the ability.

I was watching the Butler game again and focusing on the starts of the halves to see what IU can do to generate a better start. One thing that seemed to bog things down is Smith doesn't have a good feel for the game offensively. His movements usually have him clogging things up offensively. He screens when he should be rolling to the basket which leads to a double team and he stands in the lane when he should be stepping to the elbow to open up the baseline. It reminds me of someone who is just learning the game and trying to remember everything he has been told but his timing is off.

As the game wears on and the players get tired, his athletic ability shines more and allows him some chances to get some hustle points. Focusing on defense and rebounding are good for him and I believe that Arch compared him to Freddie McSwain. Those are areas where he can make a difference while the offense and feel come along.

I don't see Zach replacing him as he still looks a half step slow and not fully recovered from his injury. The more playing time that Justin can get the more it should help him. Not sure where Race and Jerome are in the healing process but they would seem to be the only options that can provide similar defense matchups as Justin.

Then don't start him. Let him come in a few minutes into the game and run a play for him where he slashes for a play in the paint and close to the rim. I hate to see him start a drive outside as it frequently leads to a charge or a turnover. Smith has so much potential. It just needs to be harnessed and channeled. I really want him to be a force as adding a serious threat from Smith frees up so much more for Langford, Morgan and Phinisee.

 

[Falky22]

Smith can be an asset rebounding, post defense, and making good cuts to the basket to finish in close.

Less dribbling the better and I feel he struggles with entry passes into the post / doesn’t create a good angle or make best use of the pivot foot.

With that being said he does seem to be improving. And I support any IU player and believe he can contribute more and more. It is on him and the coaches to work on his game. I’m sure they get after it every day.

Go IU!

 

[TR32]

He would benefit from curl cuts. I haven't seen one of those in an IU game in some time.

 

[Davehack]

He would benefit from curl cuts. I haven't seen one of those in an IU game in some time.

I thought the concession stand had those.

 

[kkott]

Then don't start him. Let him come in a few minutes into the game and run a play for him where he slashes for a play in the paint and close to the rim. I hate to see him start a drive outside as it frequently leads to a charge or a turnover. Smith has so much potential. It just needs to be harnessed and channeled. I really want him to be a force as adding a serious threat from Smith frees up so much more for Langford, Morgan and Phinisee.

Been saying for weeks now I think when he's ready to log the minutes, it will make sense to sub Davis for Smith and play bigger. I think it will help our offense by having a good 3rd legit scoring option in the post and also relieve some pressure defensively off Morgan from having to guard the other team's 5. I'd also like to look at having McRoberts start in place of Durham but I think either of those guys are fine... whoever's playing better and what the matchups dictate, but I think Davis would make a big impact. That would give Smith a chance to watch from the bench and get a feel for the game and eliminate those frustrating early turnovers.

 

[coachv jr]

He would benefit from curl cuts. I haven't seen one of those in an IU game in some time.

always loved the curl

 

[Hatchets7times]

He's been ok in my opinion. Not great.
Not junk..He's grabbed a few more rebounds in a couple games than I expected. But what what get's me. Is a guy his size know's he needs a mid range jumper and better dribbling ability. .He's shown he still doesn't have either. (That's off season work) If Hunter was healthy and had the whole season under his belt up till now. I truly believe he'd be more a scoring threat

 

[rikki-tikka-tava]

I'd also like to look at having McRoberts start in place of Durham but I think either of those guys are fine... whoever's playing better and what the matchups dictate, but I think Davis would make a big impact. That would give Smith a chance to watch from the bench and get a feel for the game and eliminate those frustrating early turnovers.

Aljami is a much better scorer and can actually move with the ball in his hands. He's also going to go off at some point - pretty good bet Zach never will. Much as Zach's hustle and defense deserves credit, those aspects of his game are not so exalted that they make Durham look bad by comparison.

Zach has game, but mostly only half of what I imagine Miller wants out of a Starter. Absent the scoring and assist contributions, he's still be a great bench Player - doesn't manufacture points, but nor does he surrender them.